HIGH POINT – Gardner-Webb was locked into a tight Big South Conference battle with host High Point University Friday night but hit into three double plays in a 3-1 loss to the Panthers in a road Big South tilt.

The Runnin’ Bulldogs (24-23-1, 8-10 Big South) got another solid start from sophomore righty Matt Fraudin (6-5). He scattered seven hits (six singles) and fanned five in seven innings of work. Conner Scarborough came on to hurl a scoreless eighth inning in his hometown.

Gardner-Webb though stranded eight runners and hit into three costly double plays – including rally-dampening plays to end both the sixth and seventh innings. John Harris’ two-out, RBI single in the eighth accounted for the only Bulldog run against High Point (25-25, 11-8 league).

GWU lost despite out-hitting HPU 9-8. Scott Johnson and Danny Yelverton each went 2-for-4 for the ‘Dogs.

The Runnin’ Bulldogs collected nine hits to the Panthers eight in the game and both teams stranded eight. Scott Johnson raised his season average to .306 with a 2-for-4 effort at the plate, and Danny Yelverton also finished with a 2-for-4 night.

High Point senior pitcher Jacob Newberry improved to 4-2 with a strong effort. He lasted 7.1 innings, pitched around eight singles and fanned five (two walks) with only one run allowed.

Joe Goodman picked up his third save of the season with 1.1 scoreless innings.